Harder to get to the quarterback

[The_Philster]

Even on a television videotape of last weekend's Atlanta-Carolina matchup, one could sense the mounting frustration of Panthers left defensive end Julius Peppers, palpably feel his ire as he was thwarted in his attempts to get to Falcons quarterback Doug Johnson.

One second-quarter sequence, on a second-and-long play, graphically illustrated Peppers' plight. As he rose out of his stance to attack the pocket, Peppers was double-teamed by right offensive tackle Todd Weiner and by tight end Alge Crumpler, but still managed to squeeze through the blocking sandwich they comprised. Suddenly into the backfield, he was then chip-blocked by fullback Justin Griffith....
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[stuckincincy]

I seem to recall some talking head on tv saying that refs were going to scrutinize def. line holding this year. The talkhead mentioned that Ray Lewis was always a beneficiary of line holding. dunno.

But with the way RJ hangs onto the ball, I should think that even Oprah Winfrey could run 'em down.